Kim Soo-hyun wins culture prize of National Brand Awards

SEOUL, Dec. 14 (Yonhap) -- Actor Kim Soo-hyun has been named the winner of the culture prize of the National Brand Awards, a set of honors annually given to people who make an exceptional contribution to raising South Korea's brand image, the award organizers said Monday.

The Institute of National Brand Promotion said it has taken Kim's popularity in China into account since he is the only foreigner on the list of the five most influential stars in the world's second-largest economy, according to a survey done by a Chinese broadcaster.

The culture prize, in addition to its sports and corporate counterparts, has been added this year.

Figure-skating champion Kim Yu-na won the sports prize, and Amore Pacific took the corporate honor.